Ukrainian deserters who returned to combat share their harrowing stories of why they left and what it takes for them to reintegrate into the military. Despite challenges, some soldiers have been given a second chance.
The Root Causes of Desertion
Ukrainian deserters were given until early March to rejoin their units without penalty. DW spoke with several of them about why they left and then returned.
The phenomenon of Ukrainian deserters refers to individuals who have abandoned their military service in Ukraine.
According to official statistics, over 30,000 soldiers deserted between 2014 and 2020.
Many reasons contribute to this trend, including poor living conditions, low pay, and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The consequences for deserters can be severe, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to forced labor.
Efforts have been made by the Ukrainian government to address these issues and improve soldier morale.
Desertion is a complex issue, often driven by physical and psychological exhaustion. Kosjantyn, who deserted his post in the Ukrainian army, cited family problems as the reason for his departure. He also expressed frustration over not receiving rehab or compensation after being wounded.
Desertion is a legal term referring to the voluntary abandonment of one's post, duty, or responsibility without permission.
In military contexts, desertion can result in severe penalties, including court-martial and imprisonment.
The concept of desertion also applies to civilian life, where it may involve abandoning work, family, or other obligations.
According to a study by the US Department of Defense, approximately 1% of active-duty personnel desert each year.
In some countries, desertion is considered a criminal offense, while in others, it may be viewed as a personal choice.
The number of soldiers leaving their posts grew so high in 2023 and 2024 that investigators couldn’t keep up with inquiries into only about 7% of cases. To address this issue, authorities promised not to prosecute deserters as long as commanders could convince them to return to duty. This deal was enacted into law in the fall of 2024.
The Challenges of Reintegration
For soldiers like Jewhen, who has been fighting for 10 years and witnessed the destruction of his hometown, reintegration is a difficult task. He described problems with his former commander, who sent him on suicide missions, as the reason for his departure. After living in Dnieper for a month and a half, Jewhen turned himself over to the military police and was assigned to a reserve battalion that regularly hosts recruiters from different brigades.
Jewhen‘s story is not unique. Many soldiers have returned to duty after deserting, but the root causes of mass desertion remain unaddressed. Roman Horodezkyi, an officer responsible for psychological support in the 68th Jaeger Brigade, believes that physical and psychological exhaustion are the main problems. However, he notes that it is impossible to change these issues at present.
A Second Chance
Despite the challenges of reintegration, some soldiers have been given a second chance. Milka, a 42-year-old military man who went AWOL due to war-related trauma, has been assigned to train new recruits in the 68th Jaeger Brigade. He describes war as ‘like a drug‘ that draws him back in, and notes that he is still struggling with his own demons.
Reintegration is a critical phase for soldiers returning from deployment.
It involves readjusting to civilian life, rebuilding relationships, and reintegrating into their community.
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 20% of veterans experience difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
Effective reintegration requires support from family, friends, and mental health professionals.
This process can be facilitated through counseling, peer support groups, and employment assistance programs.
The Ukrainian army‘s decision to give deserters a second chance has been met with mixed reactions. Some commanders, like Jewhen‘s, have expressed empathy for their new soldiers and believe that they can be integrated into the unit without issue. Others, however, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of this approach.
